"Had he made such comments to someone from another foreign country, such as Africa, China, the Middle East, etc, his racism would be taken very seriously."

A spokesperson from the Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society said: "We have been advised not to make any comment at this time."

The BBC defended the interview insisting no offence was intended from Whale, who was fired from TalkSport in 2008 for breaching impartiality rules.

A BBC spokesperson said: "The comments were made in a light-hearted manner in James Whale's usual presenting style, playing on the friendly rivalry between Australia and Britain and the interviewee joined in the banter.